The debate has intensified after senior politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman publicly criticized Army Chief Asim Munir, invoking Pakistan's 1971 defeat and questioning the military's claims of strength. His remarks reflect a rare and increasingly open challenge to the army's public image. The controversy comes amid political polarization, economic pressures and growing scrutiny of the military's role in national affairs


Pakistan unrest: Is there genuine anger against the army in Pakistan?

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has announced his readiness to negotiate with the military and called on the army to appoint a representative for the talks. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: Imran Khan 'ready to hold talks' with military

Pakistan has reportedly test-fired a short-range, indigenously developed rocket system, in a bid to boost its military ability. The Pakistani Army said the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System can defeat any missile defence system and is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features.

It has a range of 400 kilometres, the statement by Pakistan military claimed.

The introduction of the new missile comes as Pakistan struggles to keep up with military upgradation being undertaken by its neighbour and South Asian military giant India. It is hoping the new capabilities will help it deter any offensive from the arch-rival.

A Pakistan analyst reacted to the development by saying it would help Pak military engage strategic targets with precision.

Speaking to defence news outlet&nbsp;EurAsian Times, Umair Aslam, CEO of Global Defense Insight (an Islamabad-based security forum) and security analyst, said, “With the successful test of the Fatah-II, the Pakistani military has enhanced its capability to engage strategic targets, such as bridges and air defence units, located within a range of 400 kilometres. Utilising cutting-edge navigation and avionics technologies empowers the Fatah-II to achieve the best accuracy.”

He also said that the missile may challenge the supremacy of India's S-400 missile system, a claim that other experts have disputed.

For instance, defence&nbsp;analyst Patricia Marins expressed scepticism, pointing out the lack of information regarding the missile’s unique trajectory.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the powerful military also congratulated the scientists and researchers behind the rocket system.

It’s not new for Islamabad to test-fire and showcase new weapons and capabilities in order to counter any threat from New Delhi.

The launch of the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System comes days after Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stressed that India was committed to taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He said that the PoK is an integral part of India and that every Indian political party is committed to ensuring its gets back to where it belongs.

India and Pakistan are longtime rivals and have fought three wars against each other since they gained independence from British rule in 1947.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has reportedly test-fired a short-range, indigenously developed rocket system, in a bid to boost its military ability. The Pakistani Army said the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System can defeat any missile defence system and is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features.

Pakistan has reportedly test-fired a short-range, indigenously developed rocket system, in a bid to boost its military ability. The Pakistani Army said the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System can defeat any missile defence system and is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features. It has a range of 400 kilometres, the statement by Pakistan military claimed. The introduction of the new missile comes as Pakistan struggles to keep up with military upgradation being undertaken by its neighbour and South Asian military giant India. It is hoping the new capabilities will help it deter any offensive from the arch-rival. A Pakistan analyst reacted to the development by saying it would help Pak military engage strategic targets with precision. Speaking to defence news outlet EurAsian Times, Umair Aslam, CEO of Global Defense Insight (an Islamabad-based security forum) and security analyst, said, “With the successful test of the Fatah-II, the Pakistani military has enhanced its capability to engage strategic targets, such as bridges and air defence units, located within a range of 400 kilometres. Utilising cutting-edge navigation and avionics technologies empowers the Fatah-II to achieve the best accuracy.” He also said that the missile may challenge the supremacy of India's S-400 missile system, a claim that other experts have disputed. For instance, defence analyst Patricia Marins expressed scepticism, pointing out the lack of information regarding the missile’s unique trajectory. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the powerful military also congratulated the scientists and researchers behind the rocket system. It’s not new for Islamabad to test-fire and showcase new weapons and capabilities in order to counter any threat from New Delhi. The launch of the Fatah-II Guided Rocket System comes days after Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stressed that India was committed to taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He said that the PoK is an integral part of India and that every Indian political party is committed to ensuring its gets back to where it belongs. India and Pakistan are longtime rivals and have fought three wars against each other since they gained independence from British rule in 1947. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan test fires short-range rocket system; will it trump India’s S-400 system?

Pakistani army on Monday slammed former prime minister Imran Khan for his "defamatory" remark about the appointment of the new army chief, saying the institution was "aghast" at his remarks about the top military leadership.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan army slams Imran Khan's 'defamatory' remarks about military leadership

A Pakistan Army officer was killed in a terrorist attack in the northwest tribal district of South Waziristan, the Army said on Monday night.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the army, the attack took place when terrorists opened fire at security forces while they were conducting patrolling to check terrorists` move at Shakai area of the district Sunday night, Xinhua reported.

The area was cordoned off for clearance operation, the statement said.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

The Pakistani military had conducted a series of operations against terrorist groups in South Waziristan in recent years.

A Pakistan Army officer was killed in a terrorist attack in the northwest tribal district of South Waziristan, the Army said on Monday night. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the army, the attack took place when terrorists opened fire at security forces while they were conducting patrolling to check terrorists` move at Shakai area of the district Sunday night, Xinhua reported.

A Pakistan Army officer was killed in a terrorist attack in the northwest tribal district of South Waziristan, the Army said on Monday night. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the army, the attack took place when terrorists opened fire at security forces while they were conducting patrolling to check terrorists` move at Shakai area of the district Sunday night, Xinhua reported. The area was cordoned off for clearance operation, the statement said. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The Pakistani military had conducted a series of operations against terrorist groups in South Waziristan in recent years.

Pakistan Army officer killed in terror attack in Waziristan

Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders.

According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi.

Also, Pakistan is reportedly set to add eight Chinese-made Type-039B Yuan Class warships to its fleet. 
Satellite imageries picked up by private intelligence consultancy named ShadowBreak Intl confirmed that Pakistan Navy’s Agosta-90B type submarine – Hashmat-class – was docked next to Chinese ships near Karachi.

The Forbes report say the Chinese naval ships were on a joint exercise with the Pakistani fleet in January, called ‘Sea Guardian-2020’. The submarine exercise was conducted in one of Karachi’s cordoned-off commercial docks, not their usual ones.

Islamabad operates five French-designed Agosta-class submarines, of which three are improved versions with the Air independent Power (AIP) technology. This class of submarines is potent and one of the more modern machines in the Pakistani arsenal.&nbsp;

Besides the AIP, the subs have AS-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and state-of-the-art combat systems. It’s also expected to be the launchpad for the country’s homegrown Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders. According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi.

Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders. According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi. Also, Pakistan is reportedly set to add eight Chinese-made Type-039B Yuan Class warships to its fleet. Satellite imageries picked up by private intelligence consultancy named ShadowBreak Intl confirmed that Pakistan Navy’s Agosta-90B type submarine – Hashmat-class – was docked next to Chinese ships near Karachi. The Forbes report say the Chinese naval ships were on a joint exercise with the Pakistani fleet in January, called ‘Sea Guardian-2020’. The submarine exercise was conducted in one of Karachi’s cordoned-off commercial docks, not their usual ones. Islamabad operates five French-designed Agosta-class submarines, of which three are improved versions with the Air independent Power (AIP) technology. This class of submarines is potent and one of the more modern machines in the Pakistani arsenal. Besides the AIP, the subs have AS-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and state-of-the-art combat systems. It’s also expected to be the launchpad for the country’s homegrown Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Satellite images show Pakistan’s military build-up at sea, says report

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

"Despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," the Pakistan prime minister said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY bec of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My govt will spend this money saved on dev of merged tribal areas &amp; Balochistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1135971466552512520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Major General Asif Ghafoor head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), the military's media wing, added&nbsp;that voluntary cut in the defence budget for a year wouldn't be at the cost of defence and security.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Voluntary cut in def budget for a year will not be at the cost of def &amp; security. We shall maint effective response potential to all threats.Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas &amp; Bln.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1136003059476324353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage the impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It is important to participate in the development of tribal areas and Balochistan," Ghafoor said.

However, the move was criticised by Opposition PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif who said PM Imran Khan's announcement was "nothing but an admission of your incompetence and sheer ineptitude."

Last month the International Monetary Fund(IMF) had agreed on a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy. The IMF had stated that&nbsp;"priority" areas included improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and "continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts".

Pakistan has had 21 bailouts since it joined the IMF in 1950. It's most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion.

Post the bailout, the Pakistan currency had hit an all-time low as the rupee slipped over 3 per cent last month.

Pakistan is battling being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to inaction on terror financing. The Pakistan economy for the past two years has been fighting a deep balance-of-payments crisis hit by low growth, soaring inflation&nbsp;and mounting debt.

In recent months, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has travelled to China, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in an attempt to request financial aid, although he has been promised substantial aid but it still hasn't been enough to tide over the crisis.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country. "Despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," the Pakistan prime minister said on Twitter. I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY bec of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My govt will spend this money saved on dev of merged tribal areas & Balochistan. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 4, 2019 × Major General Asif Ghafoor head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), the military's media wing, added that voluntary cut in the defence budget for a year wouldn't be at the cost of defence and security. Voluntary cut in def budget for a year will not be at the cost of def & security. We shall maint effective response potential to all threats.Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas & Bln. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) June 4, 2019 × "We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage the impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It is important to participate in the development of tribal areas and Balochistan," Ghafoor said. However, the move was criticised by Opposition PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif who said PM Imran Khan's announcement was "nothing but an admission of your incompetence and sheer ineptitude." Last month the International Monetary Fund(IMF) had agreed on a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy. The IMF had stated that "priority" areas included improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and "continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts". Pakistan has had 21 bailouts since it joined the IMF in 1950. It's most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion. Post the bailout, the Pakistan currency had hit an all-time low as the rupee slipped over 3 per cent last month. Pakistan is battling being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to inaction on terror financing. The Pakistan economy for the past two years has been fighting a deep balance-of-payments crisis hit by low growth, soaring inflation and mounting debt. In recent months, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has travelled to China, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in an attempt to request financial aid, although he has been promised substantial aid but it still hasn't been enough to tide over the crisis.

Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>.

Nearly a year and half after President Donald Trump ordered cutting off security aid to Pakistan, a senior US administration official told reporters that the US is trying to change Pakistan's policy of supporting terrorist groups.

Noting the US' recognition of the ISI's links with its home-frown terrorist groups, the official said the US does not want to get involved in the country's internal politics and expects the Pakistan military to correct the situation.

"We support the civilian government. We support the nascent democratic system there. We support the fact that Prime Minister Khan says right things and appears to be trying to make some changes within Pakistan. But only time will tell if he is successful in doing that," he said.

The senior administration official said Pakistan's military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps.

"So far, we do see support from the military to the direction that prime minister Khan seems to be going in," he said.

The Trump administration Wednesday credited Prime Minister Khan for his "helpful statements" on cracking down on terror outfits and some initial steps being taken.

"So, we do appreciate that Pakistan is saying the right thing, has taken the initial step that we're looking for, but we reserve judgment because we have seen backpacking in the past,"&nbsp;the official said.

The official said the US wants to "reserve judgment"&nbsp;till it sees if the steps they are taking are actually irreversible.

Observing that only time will tell about Pakistan's future course of action, the US official said Khan as of now has made the right statement.

"He is very public about wanting stability in the region, pointing out how important that is for Pakistanis to prosper and to have economic development which is one of his core campaign promises. He has directly related that goal to Pakistan being able to crack down on militancy within the border,"&nbsp;the official said.

But in the past, the official pointed out, the US has seen Pakistan resorting to the familiar pattern of taking some temporary steps against terrorists and putting them under house arrest like they did with Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, only to release them later and let them go back to operating as usual.

"So, unfortunately, the track record (of Pakistan) is not good on this front. But we continue to remain hopeful and encouraged by the initial statements and some of the very initial steps that we have seen Pakistan taking."

Referring to the UN Wednesday designating Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar a "global terrorist", the official added, "We think this designation is really critical and important for keeping Pakistan accountable to its commitment like the travel ban and asset freezes and other steps."

They are now accountable to the international community. "It is too early to say whether Pakistan would indeed uphold its international obligation, but we remain hopeful," he said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Nearly a year and half after President Donald Trump ordered cutting off security aid to Pakistan, a senior US administration official told reporters that the US is trying to change Pakistan's policy of supporting terrorist groups. Noting the US' recognition of the ISI's links with its home-frown terrorist groups, the official said the US does not want to get involved in the country's internal politics and expects the Pakistan military to correct the situation. "We support the civilian government. We support the nascent democratic system there. We support the fact that Prime Minister Khan says right things and appears to be trying to make some changes within Pakistan. But only time will tell if he is successful in doing that," he said. The senior administration official said Pakistan's military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps. "So far, we do see support from the military to the direction that prime minister Khan seems to be going in," he said. The Trump administration Wednesday credited Prime Minister Khan for his "helpful statements" on cracking down on terror outfits and some initial steps being taken. "So, we do appreciate that Pakistan is saying the right thing, has taken the initial step that we're looking for, but we reserve judgment because we have seen backpacking in the past," the official said. The official said the US wants to "reserve judgment" till it sees if the steps they are taking are actually irreversible. Observing that only time will tell about Pakistan's future course of action, the US official said Khan as of now has made the right statement. "He is very public about wanting stability in the region, pointing out how important that is for Pakistanis to prosper and to have economic development which is one of his core campaign promises. He has directly related that goal to Pakistan being able to crack down on militancy within the border," the official said. But in the past, the official pointed out, the US has seen Pakistan resorting to the familiar pattern of taking some temporary steps against terrorists and putting them under house arrest like they did with Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, only to release them later and let them go back to operating as usual. "So, unfortunately, the track record (of Pakistan) is not good on this front. But we continue to remain hopeful and encouraged by the initial statements and some of the very initial steps that we have seen Pakistan taking." Referring to the UN Wednesday designating Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar a "global terrorist", the official added, "We think this designation is really critical and important for keeping Pakistan accountable to its commitment like the travel ban and asset freezes and other steps." They are now accountable to the international community. "It is too early to say whether Pakistan would indeed uphold its international obligation, but we remain hopeful," he said.

Pakistan PM saying right things, his military leadership too needs to take right decisions: US

Facebook cracked down 103 pages linked to Pak military

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said.

The Reko Diq mine has become a test case for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ability to attract serious foreign investment to Pakistan as it struggles to stave off an economic crisis that has forced it to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout.

Ten current and former provincial and federal government officials and mining sources familiar with the project in the Baluchistan region say the military has become the most important voice on the future of Reko Diq, which it sees as a strategic national asset.

The military will not only be in a position to decide which investors develop the deposit, but an army-controlled engineering firm, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), is positioning itself to be a member of any consortium involved, these people said.

"This has been taken over by GHQ," said a senior Baluchistan government official, referring to the Pakistan army`s General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

In a statement in response to Reuters` questions about its role in Reko Diq, the military spokesman`s office said: "(The military) may only participate in government`s plan of development of Reko Diq, as per national requirements."

But it acknowledged that FWO, best known for building roads through Pakistan`s rugged and lawless border regions, has developed "substantial" mining capability in recent years and would be interested in taking a role in the project.

"If an opportunity arises of participating in developing Reko Diq, FWO may work at par with other competitors (or) companies provided the project is financially viable (or) suitable," the statement said. When asked, a spokesman declined to elaborate on the statement.

Pakistan`s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said civilian authorities in the insurgency-hit southwestern province of Baluchistan were in charge of Reko Diq and, along with Khan, would take a decision, but added that the military "and all other stakeholders are obviously important players".

FWO referred questions to the military spokesman`s office. Khan`s spokesman Iftikhar Durrani said Baluchistan province was in charge of Reko Diq, and referred questions to the provincial government and the military spokesman`s office.

The manoeuvring behind the project shows how the military, which has historically dictated Pakistan`s security and foreign policy, is leveraging its sway over the civilian government at federal and provincial level to carve a growing role in the nation`s business affairs.

The army has ruled the nuclear-armed nation for nearly half its history and is considered to have a major influence over Khan`s recently elected government. A military spokesman declined to comment.

"The military has taken a front seat," said Ayesha Siddiqa, author of the book "Military Inc.", which analyses the army`s business interests and influence in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"They`ve understood that the economy is important for having a strong military," she said. "Control of the economy also gives the military a handle over expanding their business interests."

TALKS

Buried at the foot of an extinct volcano near the frontier with Iran and Afghanistan, the mine`s development has long been delayed by a dispute with previous investors in the project, Canada`s Barrick Gold and Chile`s Antofagasta.

The government is urgently trying to settle the dispute as a World Bank arbitration tribunal, which ruled against Pakistan in 2017, is in the next few months expected to announce how much in damages the country must pay to the foreign firms, who are claiming more than $11 billion.

The dispute relates to the withholding of a mining lease.

Islamabad is also trying to find new partners to invest in the project.

But any new investors will need the blessing of Pakistan`s military, according to government officials and mining sources.&nbsp;

State-run companies from resource-hungry China have long coveted Reko Diq and more recently Saudi Arabia has shown interest, according to Pakistani officials.

&nbsp;Some Western diplomats say the Reko Diq dispute has been a significant foreign investment deterrent, with international businesses unnerved at how Pakistan dealt with the companies that had pledged to invest $3.3 billion to develop the country`s then-biggest mining project.

Barrick Gold and Antofagasta, whose joint venture Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) discovered vast mineral wealth in Reko Diq, say they had invested more than $220 million by the time the Baluchistan government, in 2011, unexpectedly refused to grant them the critical mining lease needed to keep operating.

Pakistan argued its move was legitimate because TCC`s feasibility study was incomplete and the country`s Supreme Court voided the deal in 2013. But in 2017 the World Bank`s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled against Pakistan.

TCC did not respond to requests for comment and Antofagasta and Barrick Gold both declined to comment. Reuters could not determine whether either company would be willing to return to the project.

FOREIGN INVESTORS

The last serious attempt at settling the Reko Diq case was scuppered in 2016 by the military, which vetoed paying hundreds of millions of dollars to TCC, according to a senior Baluchistan official and two former senior officials in Islamabad.

But the military has since changed its stance and is more open to a settlement with TCC, according to a lawmaker close to the military and a source close to Prime Minister Khan. The military was also involved in appointing Pakistan`s current legal team.

In response to a Reuters question about blocking the previous settlement effort, the military said: "Let`s see how the case progresses." It did not elaborate or comment on whether it was playing any role in the latest negotiations.

Some mining experts say a likely solution would be for a new investment consortium to pay the settlement fee on behalf of cash-strapped Pakistan in exchange for future royalty fees or mining rights.&nbsp;

Information Minister Chaudhry said Pakistan was engaged in negotiations with "both" the current investors about a settlement and also potential new investors, with interest coming from the Middle East and Europe. He declined to name the potential investors.

Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar said in October that Saudi Arabia has inquired about investing in Reko Diq and another government official confirmed talks were ongoing.

Saudi Arabia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Reko Diq. During Crown Prince bin Salman`s visit to Pakistan last month, the kingdom pledged to invest $2 billion in mineral development projects, though the provisional agreements were vague and did not mention any specific projects.

China`s state-owned miner China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), which operates the Saindak copper and gold mine close to Reko Diq, has been eyeing the bigger deposit for more than a decade, according to mining and MCC officials.

A few years ago Chinese state giant Norinco also made an approach, according to two sources familiar with Norinco`s offer.

MCC and Norinco did not respond to requests for comment.

When a mining company approached former general Abdul Quadir Baloch about Reko Diq around 2016, when he was federal minister for the frontier regions, he took their proposal not only to then-premier Nawaz Sharif, but also to the army chief.

"The military has to give a (security) guarantee to any company coming in to explore or exploit this project, so they are a stakeholder," said Baloch.

The military declined to comment on Baloch`s assertions. Sharif, who has since been jailed on corruption charges, could not be reached for comment.

The army-run FWO does not have the funds or the expertise to develop the Reko Diq project, which boasts 5.9 billion tons of ore. But it could be part of a consortium alongside global miners who have the know-how to mine such a gargantuan deposit.

The military`s role in developing natural resources in Baluchistan also carries risks, however, analysts say.

Indigenous Baloch people view outsiders with suspicion, and their anger about Islamabad exploiting the province`s vast natural resources has been one of the key themes fuelling a separatist insurgency that began around 2004.

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said.

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said. The Reko Diq mine has become a test case for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ability to attract serious foreign investment to Pakistan as it struggles to stave off an economic crisis that has forced it to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout. Ten current and former provincial and federal government officials and mining sources familiar with the project in the Baluchistan region say the military has become the most important voice on the future of Reko Diq, which it sees as a strategic national asset. The military will not only be in a position to decide which investors develop the deposit, but an army-controlled engineering firm, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), is positioning itself to be a member of any consortium involved, these people said. "This has been taken over by GHQ," said a senior Baluchistan government official, referring to the Pakistan army`s General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. In a statement in response to Reuters` questions about its role in Reko Diq, the military spokesman`s office said: "(The military) may only participate in government`s plan of development of Reko Diq, as per national requirements." But it acknowledged that FWO, best known for building roads through Pakistan`s rugged and lawless border regions, has developed "substantial" mining capability in recent years and would be interested in taking a role in the project. "If an opportunity arises of participating in developing Reko Diq, FWO may work at par with other competitors (or) companies provided the project is financially viable (or) suitable," the statement said. When asked, a spokesman declined to elaborate on the statement. Pakistan`s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said civilian authorities in the insurgency-hit southwestern province of Baluchistan were in charge of Reko Diq and, along with Khan, would take a decision, but added that the military "and all other stakeholders are obviously important players". FWO referred questions to the military spokesman`s office. Khan`s spokesman Iftikhar Durrani said Baluchistan province was in charge of Reko Diq, and referred questions to the provincial government and the military spokesman`s office. The manoeuvring behind the project shows how the military, which has historically dictated Pakistan`s security and foreign policy, is leveraging its sway over the civilian government at federal and provincial level to carve a growing role in the nation`s business affairs. The army has ruled the nuclear-armed nation for nearly half its history and is considered to have a major influence over Khan`s recently elected government. A military spokesman declined to comment. "The military has taken a front seat," said Ayesha Siddiqa, author of the book "Military Inc.", which analyses the army`s business interests and influence in Pakistan. "They`ve understood that the economy is important for having a strong military," she said. "Control of the economy also gives the military a handle over expanding their business interests." TALKS Buried at the foot of an extinct volcano near the frontier with Iran and Afghanistan, the mine`s development has long been delayed by a dispute with previous investors in the project, Canada`s Barrick Gold and Chile`s Antofagasta. The government is urgently trying to settle the dispute as a World Bank arbitration tribunal, which ruled against Pakistan in 2017, is in the next few months expected to announce how much in damages the country must pay to the foreign firms, who are claiming more than $11 billion. The dispute relates to the withholding of a mining lease. Islamabad is also trying to find new partners to invest in the project. But any new investors will need the blessing of Pakistan`s military, according to government officials and mining sources. State-run companies from resource-hungry China have long coveted Reko Diq and more recently Saudi Arabia has shown interest, according to Pakistani officials. Some Western diplomats say the Reko Diq dispute has been a significant foreign investment deterrent, with international businesses unnerved at how Pakistan dealt with the companies that had pledged to invest $3.3 billion to develop the country`s then-biggest mining project. Barrick Gold and Antofagasta, whose joint venture Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) discovered vast mineral wealth in Reko Diq, say they had invested more than $220 million by the time the Baluchistan government, in 2011, unexpectedly refused to grant them the critical mining lease needed to keep operating. Pakistan argued its move was legitimate because TCC`s feasibility study was incomplete and the country`s Supreme Court voided the deal in 2013. But in 2017 the World Bank`s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled against Pakistan. TCC did not respond to requests for comment and Antofagasta and Barrick Gold both declined to comment. Reuters could not determine whether either company would be willing to return to the project. FOREIGN INVESTORS The last serious attempt at settling the Reko Diq case was scuppered in 2016 by the military, which vetoed paying hundreds of millions of dollars to TCC, according to a senior Baluchistan official and two former senior officials in Islamabad. But the military has since changed its stance and is more open to a settlement with TCC, according to a lawmaker close to the military and a source close to Prime Minister Khan. The military was also involved in appointing Pakistan`s current legal team. In response to a Reuters question about blocking the previous settlement effort, the military said: "Let`s see how the case progresses." It did not elaborate or comment on whether it was playing any role in the latest negotiations. Some mining experts say a likely solution would be for a new investment consortium to pay the settlement fee on behalf of cash-strapped Pakistan in exchange for future royalty fees or mining rights. Information Minister Chaudhry said Pakistan was engaged in negotiations with "both" the current investors about a settlement and also potential new investors, with interest coming from the Middle East and Europe. He declined to name the potential investors. Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar said in October that Saudi Arabia has inquired about investing in Reko Diq and another government official confirmed talks were ongoing. Saudi Arabia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Reko Diq. During Crown Prince bin Salman`s visit to Pakistan last month, the kingdom pledged to invest $2 billion in mineral development projects, though the provisional agreements were vague and did not mention any specific projects. China`s state-owned miner China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), which operates the Saindak copper and gold mine close to Reko Diq, has been eyeing the bigger deposit for more than a decade, according to mining and MCC officials. A few years ago Chinese state giant Norinco also made an approach, according to two sources familiar with Norinco`s offer. MCC and Norinco did not respond to requests for comment. When a mining company approached former general Abdul Quadir Baloch about Reko Diq around 2016, when he was federal minister for the frontier regions, he took their proposal not only to then-premier Nawaz Sharif, but also to the army chief. "The military has to give a (security) guarantee to any company coming in to explore or exploit this project, so they are a stakeholder," said Baloch. The military declined to comment on Baloch`s assertions. Sharif, who has since been jailed on corruption charges, could not be reached for comment. The army-run FWO does not have the funds or the expertise to develop the Reko Diq project, which boasts 5.9 billion tons of ore. But it could be part of a consortium alongside global miners who have the know-how to mine such a gargantuan deposit. The military`s role in developing natural resources in Baluchistan also carries risks, however, analysts say. Indigenous Baloch people view outsiders with suspicion, and their anger about Islamabad exploiting the province`s vast natural resources has been one of the key themes fuelling a separatist insurgency that began around 2004.

Pakistan military eyes key role developing giant copper and gold mine: Sources

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